This is the fourth book in the Demon Hunters series and I was looking forward to reading it since I enjoyed reading the first three books.

Serena, who was kidnapped in book 1, is the main character here. Her fiancée Tad became a demon hunter after her abduction and then throughout the next 2 books practically pretending she doesn’t exist. However, when she decides to go to school to become a demon hunter, he doesn’t take that too well. However, when then end up working on assignments together, Tad starts to realize there’s more to Serena than a woman who loves balls and gowns.

So...I have mixed opinions. Serena and Tad didn’t exactly have the most mature relationship and I feel like the suppressed their true feelings about issues that came up instead of actually discussing and working through those issues. That being said, I did enjoy seeing some of the past hunters who were the main characters of previous books.

Also, the actual demon plot line that’s been in place since book 1 continues to be interesting and actually was the best part of this book, since Serena and Tad’s relationship didn’t actually hold my interest.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. Serena and Tad are relatable characters. The book held my interest and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Read the first three when they were released, and was so excited when I received the arc of Defiance! Thrills and chills that never stop! The story keeps you enchanted and involved.

Serena took a tragedy and turned it around so she could feel safe and strong. She would never be a victim again. Serena and Tad had been engaged before she was abducted, but they have both changed so much that they not sure they can make a life together. She has grown into a whole different woman and Tad isn't sure he can marry a woman like her. His instincts are to protect and keep her safe and locked away somewhere. She will not cower now or ever again. As the master tries to make their life a living hell, they will keep loving and keep fighting.

Defiance is the fourth book in the Demon Hunters series, that follows members of a demon hunting group as they try to stop the demon invasion of Earth by Dominus, who also is mostly referred to as “the master.” This book features Serena, the younger sister of the male main character from book 1, and her longtime fiancé Tad. After Serena was captured in book 1 by the demons, and recovered, Tad decided to join the hunters. He spends books 2 & 3 ignoring her, the equivalent of maybe two years (this is slightly unclear), and then when she decides to become a demon hunter as well, he gets upset. They spend the first half of the book bickering over this, all while the demon story line is plotting along, and eventually decide they love each other and will accept who the other person has become. At this point, they must go on some assignments together, and decide of they can actually handle the life they are choosing.

I would rate this 2.5 stars overall. I had never read any of this author’s books, but liked the premise enough to get the first three from the library. I don’t think a reader could just jump in to this book and understand the demon threat storyline. Part of this is because there is minimal explanation about what the demons are, why they are there, etc, so unless the other books have been read, half the book won’t make sense. But I feel like it kept going in a forward direction enough that I am interested in finding out what happens next in book 5. As for the romance, the two main characters just has the same arguments over and over, and I felt like they both just said “fine” rather than actually resolving their issues. I think the author wants to write women of strength and capability, and while she does that with their physical actions, things fall short with the rest of the personalities. Serena starts the story with terrible past trauma, and it all is just fine because she has decided to be a hunter, but nothing gets worked through. The romance was honestly awkward rather than full of tension, and there is something just off about the word choices overall during intimate scenes. If not for the demon that storyline that continues from book to book, I probably would have given up on this one, and rated it just 1 star. The demon fantasy carries the plot more than the romance.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lady Serena Thurston had big plans—attend the best balls, meet a fine gentleman, get married, have a child or two and live happily ever after. But plans change and nothing will stand in the way of her goal to become a Demon Hunter—not even her absentee fiancé.

Tad Douglass is furious his fiancée has enrolled in the Demon Hunters’ school. Admittedly, he should have been more attentive after her capture by demons, but important Hunter business demanded his presence. Now, he’s forced to watch her transformation from an innocent young woman to a formidable Hunter. He’ll use every resource at his disposal to change her mind and return her to the simple life of a debutante.

Of course, they end up working together and we see other hunters from previous books. How wonderful to see them again.... :) A truly wonderful book with great characters. I love how both of them slowly change and fall in love...

Thanks to the publisher for providing an arc for me.

Defiance (The Demon Hunters Book 4) by A.S. Fenichel
I am enjoying this series and it keeps me on the edge of my seat. This is Lady Serena Thurston and Thaddeus (Tad) Douglass's story. After she was saved from the demons he becomes a Hunter and then she decides to do the same. There is angst, deception, horror, evil (lots of it and demons), we catch up with hunters from the first books, there is laughter, tears and plenty of steam to get us to their HEA with still demons to stop and I'm sure another book.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Wonderful characters Witty Action-packed Page-turner Happily Ever After Scary Romantic Unpredictable Steamy Twisted Tear-jerker Haunting Entertaining Easy-to-read Great world building Tragic